SWARTLAND MUNICIPALITY OPENS NEW COUNCIL CHAMBER
Over the past two decades, the Swartland Municipality, has witnessed remarkable growth and expansion. As our community expand, so does the need for effective service delivery, prompting us to grow our workforce to meet these demands. With this expansion, the necessity for adequate office space became apparent, space that could be tailored to the municipality’s evolving needs.
After careful consideration and intense calculations, and with the foresight of the previous Executive Mayor, Alderman Tijmen van Essen, it was decided that in the long term it would be financially beneficial to give up the office spaces the Municipality was renting for council and various administration positions, and to acquire some much-needed space in the heart of Malmesbury.
In 2019, two properties perfectly aligned with the Municipality’s requirements became available. Following extensive deliberation and negotiations, the Swartland Municipality acquired both the old Standard Bank Building and the former Nedbank building in 2020. The Nedbank building now houses the Municipal Finance Department, providing enhanced accessibility for the public with cashiers and administrative offices centralized in one location. Meanwhile, the Standard Bank Building has been designated as our new Swartland Municipal Council Chambers and council offices.
The absence of an official council chamber that suited the needs of an expanded administration and council since the establishment of the Swartland Municipality in December of 2000, has been a longstanding challenge. Council meetings, mayoral committee gatherings, and portfolio committee sessions were held in community halls, limiting public access to these vital these facilities and placing strain on administrative arrangements.
The opening of the new Council Chambers—a dedicated space where the business of our towns and Municipality will be conducted in accordance with the democratic principles cherished by our residents – is a milestone for Swartland Municipality.